The government’s recent decision to confer the status of State Minister upon Dr. Shahadat Hossain, Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation, marks a timely, pragmatic, and forward-thinking step. Chattogram is Bangladesh’s second-largest city, the economic lifeline of the nation, and home to its principal seaport. Granting ministerial rank to the individual responsible for administering and developing this crucial metropolis is not merely symbolic—it is a strategic move to foster effective governance and ensure sustainable progress.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain on receiving this prestigious recognition. A lifelong champion of public service, Dr. Hossain has long been known as a devoted and principled leader, rising through the ranks of student politics and social activism. Belonging to one of the oldest intellectual families in Chattogram—prominent since the days of East Pakistan—Dr. Hossain pursued a successful career in medicine before choosing to dedicate himself to the political and civic upliftment of his city.
Despite facing repeated political persecution, false cases, and the lure of compromise, Dr. Hossain has remained steadfast in his commitment to justice and public welfare. As the President of the Chattogram City unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), he has strengthened the party’s organizational base. Elected Mayor through popular vote, he has since proven himself to be a hands-on, dynamic public representative.
Under his leadership, Chattogram has witnessed remarkable changes in a very short time. He has modernized the city’s sanitation systems, improved roads and drainage in several wards, and introduced digital platforms to ensure quick, transparent, and corruption-free public services. His visionary plans to revamp the historic Old Railway Station into a smart public space, promote sea-based tourism in Patenga, and preserve the city’s historical landmarks have earned him widespread praise from citizens.
Perhaps the most historic achievement under his administration is the collection of municipal taxes from the Chattogram Port Authority after 30 long years. Where previous mayors failed to act, Dr. Hossain pursued the matter with determination—issuing letters, making visits to ministry offices, and eventually receiving a cheque for BDT 1 billion (100 crore) directly from the port chairman, following an order from the Ministry of Shipping. This unprecedented revenue boost has enabled the City Corporation to fund independent development projects and expand subsidies in education and healthcare.
This is not just an administrative milestone—it is a testament to Dr. Hossain’s foresight, integrity, and unwavering accountability to the people of Chattogram.
The ministerial status conferred upon him is, therefore, not just an honor for the mayor himself, but a symbolic upliftment of Chattogram’s importance to the nation. However, symbolic recognition must now be translated into real empowerment. Dr. Shahadat Hossain must be given the administrative and financial authority to operate independently. He must have dedicated budget allocations and central government cooperation to implement projects across critical sectors like port-city coordination, export industries, traffic management, waste recycling, smart city initiatives, environmental protection, and waterlogging mitigation.
For he is not merely a political leader—he is a trained physician, an efficient organizer, and a representative of rare public integrity. With the right authority and support, he can transform Chattogram into a truly world-class city.
At present, Dr. Hossain is the only serving mayor in Bangladesh to hold the rank of State Minister. This sets a precedent for all future administrations and sends a powerful message about the importance of empowering local governance. But for this decision to be more than ceremonial, it must come with meaningful administrative authority.
Only then can this gesture go beyond paper and ink, and become a cornerstone of real, people-centered development.
Writer : Journalist, poet and columnist
General secretary, Chattogram Sangbadik Sangstha – ChaSaS
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +8801405-867487
Address: Sultan Building, DC Road, Chattogram.
